Banking on Connections

Skill Development - A Continuous Journey and Investment

Every organization is experiencing how quickly technology, customer preferences, and the economic landscape is changing and advancing how we work. That’s no different in the banking and finance sectors. While many teams want to find new and more efficient ways to complete work and grow the careers of its employees – how do you find time for that skill development? How does an organization embrace change and adapt strategically to drive that value to its employees and customers?

 

On this episode, guest Chelsi Gallegos, Assistant Director, Organizational Development at FHLBank Chicago, shares insight into how organizations can start a skill development journey for its employees, what that investment looks like, and how FHLBank Chicago’s multi-year skill development journey is helping us grow and evolve how we serve our member financial institutions.

Opening Doors: How Downpayment Plus® Programs Support Homebuyers

As homebuyers navigate a challenging housing market, one common financial hurdle they face is having enough money to cover the down payment and closing costs. On this episode, we explore how our Downpayment Plus® (DPP®) Programs expand homeownership opportunities in Illinois and Wisconsin and how FHLBank Chicago members can participate. Representatives from our Community Investment team—Angie Ashlaw, Senior Community Investment Operations Specialist, and Jamie Lutton, Manager, Community Outreach—discuss an overview of the program, its positive impact on individuals and communities, and steps for financial institutions to leverage DPP funding effectively.  

A Certainly Uncertain Economic Outlook

James Hotchkiss, FHLBank Chicago’s in-house economist, is back to share his insights into the layers of uncertainty in the United States economy and markets. We break down the potential impacts of tariffs, job market news, consumer spending trends, and direction of interest rates. What does all this mean for consumers? What should FHLBank Chicago members and the financial sector pay attention to? Tune in as we navigate all the economic twists and turns.

Where Is the Economy Headed in 2025?

James Hotchkiss, FHLBank Chicago’s in-house economist, joins the show to share what he’s seeing in the market and economy in the early part of 2025 and what lies ahead in the coming months. Is there an expected path forward for interest rate cuts? Is the worst of inflation behind us? Will the housing market improve? Hear all this and more on our new episode! 

Why Organizational Culture Matters

Cedric Thurman, Executive Vice President, Group Head, Community Investment at FHLBank Chicago, sits down with two of his colleagues—Toi Fields, Sr. Managing Director, Head of IT Business Management, and Sam Reindl, Director, Bank Operations—to talk about the importance of organizational culture and leveraging employee engagement. How do you build stronger connections on your team with different working styles? What can you do to prepare your team for change? Why is transparency so important to success? Hear their insights on our new episode!

Empowering Small Businesses Through Community First® Accelerate Grants

We’re celebrating Small Business Saturday! In this episode, we highlight our 2024 Community First® Accelerate Grants for Small Business program with Clara Biolo-Thompson, Senior Community Investment Operations Specialist at FHLBank Chicago, and Jen Schaefer, Community Investment Operations Specialist at FHLBank Chicago. They share how the program and partnerships helped small businesses across Illinois and Wisconsin. We'll also hear from small business grantees and their FHLBank Chicago member partners on how the funds empowered their businesses and strengthened their communities.

Post-Election Analysis and Impact on the Banking Sector With Randy Hultgren

Randy Hultgren, President and CEO of the Illinois Bankers Association, joins Dave Feldhaus, SVP, Director of External Affairs at FHLBank Chicago, to share his insights into how the results of the U.S. elections are unfolding and what that could mean for the banking and financial sectors. Don’t miss their analysis of the fast-moving news cycle!

Demystifying the Council of FHLBanks With CEO Ryan Donovan

Ryan Donovan, President and CEO of the Council of FHLBanks, joins Dave Feldhaus, Director of External Affairs at FHLBank Chicago, to talk about the role of the Council, the importance of its advocacy work, and potential impacts of the upcoming election on the FHLBank system.